Detecting And Sizing Leaks Electronically - General RLD440 User Manual

ELECTRONIC DETECTION SYSTEM
Before the electronic detector in the RLD440 can be used to detect refrigerant leaks, it
must execute the following three-step startup sequence:
1) TURN ON. Press the
2) WARM UP. Once the unit has been powered on, it will automatically begin heating the
semiconductor sensor. During warmup, 1) the digital leak size indicator flashes "0";
2) the yellow, red and green sensitivity LEDs illuminate in sequence; and 3) the
beeper sounds repeatedly at a rate of three beeps every two seconds. To silence the
beep, press the Mute button. The warmup cycle normally takes 17–20 seconds.
3) READY. The RLD440 is ready to search for leaks when: 1) the display stops flashing
"0" and goes dark; 2) the green LED indicating NORM sensitivity (the default level)
lights up; and 3) you hear and feel the internal pump start up.
IMPORTANT: The startup sequence will not execute to completion if the refrigerant gas
sensor cannot be heated. That would be the case if the sensor becomes electrically
disconnected from the probe.
The sensor (which is under the black probe tip assembly) is physically and electrically
connected to the probe by a six-pin socket visible under the clear plastic near the red
"refrigerant detected" LED near the end of the probe (see figure below).
If the startup sequence fails to complete after 60 seconds, abort the process by
powering off the unit. Then check the integrity of the connection between the sensor and
the probe by doing the following:
1) Pull the black probe tip assembly straight out and away from the sensor socket
without twisting it. This disconnects the sensor.
2) Line up the keyway notch on the probe tip assembly with the raised keyway on the
sensor socket holder
3) Carefully push the sensor back into the socket without forcing or twisting it;
misalignment can damage the sensor's pins. This reconnects the sensor.
Unscrew tip to
replace filter

DETECTING AND SIZING LEAKS ELECTRONICALLY

Position the end of the RLD440's flexible-obedient probe—which retains its configured
shape—close to any suspected source of leaking refrigerant gas. In a vehicle, wet oily
areas around hose connections and fittings, and greasy streaks radiating outward
around the compressor clutch or on the underside of the hood just above the
compressor are telltale signs of a leak. Another place to check sooner rather than later
is the evaporator (located inside the heater/defroster plenum under the dash).
button to power on the detector.
Push straight on (do not
twist) to install sensor
Filter
Pull straight out (do not
twist) to remove sensor
Keyway alignment
Sensor socket and
red "refrigerant
detected" LED
7